Weekend Guide to Nice, France: Sunshine, Sea & the French Riviera Charm 🇫🇷✨

Welcome to Nice, the capital of the French Riviera! With its pastel buildings, turquoise waters, and relaxed Mediterranean energy, this is the perfect weekend escape. Here's how to make the most of 2–3 days in this sun-soaked coastal gem. 🗓️ Day 1 – Explore Old Town & Coastline 🌅 Promenade des Anglais Start your morning with a walk along the iconic seaside boulevard. Grab a coffee and croissant and soak up the views of the Bay of Angels. 🏰 Castle Hill (Colline du Château) Climb (or take the lift) to this panoramic viewpoint for sweeping views of the coastline and Old Town. There’s also a beautiful park and a small waterfall. 🏘️ Vieux Nice (Old Town) Wander the colorful alleyways, browse Provençal markets like Cours Saleya, and pop into local shops and art galleries. 🖼️ Palais Lascaris A hidden gem baroque palace turned museum — beautifully preserved and quiet. 🍽️ Dinner at a local bistro Try Niçoise cuisine like socca (chickpea pancake), salade niçoise, or pissaladière (onion tart) at restaurants like Acchiardo or La Rossettisserie. 🗓️ Day 2 – Museums, Markets & Seaside Relaxation 🎨 Musée Matisse or Musée Marc Chagall Choose one (or both!) of these impressive museums nestled in peaceful neighborhoods. Matisse lived in Nice — his museum is housed in a stunning villa. 🛍️ Morning Market at Liberation If you're visiting on a weekday or Saturday, this locals’ market is a great place to get a more authentic vibe than the touristy Cours Saleya. 🌊 Beach Time Head to Plage Beau Rivage or Blue Beach for a lounge chair and dip in the sea (pebble beaches — bring water shoes!). 🛥️ Optional Boat Tour or Coastal Walk Take a short cruise from the port or walk the Cap de Nice coastal path toward Villefranche-sur-Mer. 🍦 Gelato & Sunset Grab a gelato at Fenocchio and find a spot on the Promenade for sunset. 🗓️ Day 3 (Optional) – Day Trip or Hilltop Views If you have a third day: 🚃 Day trip to Èze or Villefranche-sur-Mer Both are under 30 minutes away by train or bus. Èze has a medieval hilltop village and perfumeries. Villefranche is a postcard-perfect coastal town with a calm beach. 🏛️ Cimiez Monastery & Gardens Peaceful, often missed, and offers another stunning view over Nice. 💡 Bonus Tips: * Stay in or near Old Town for charm and walkability. * Public transport is easy and cheap — trams run frequently, and you can take the bus to Monaco or Èze. * Local dishes to try: pan bagnat, daube niçoise, and rosé wine! * Most museums are closed on Mondays — plan accordingly.